Ivan Cheung joined the Company in October 2005 and was appointed Senior Vice President, Chairman & CEO of Eisai Inc. (North America) and President of the Neurology Business Group (Global) in April 2016. He took on the additional role of Global Alzheimer's Disease Officer from September 2019, to lead the development and launch preparations for lecanemab. In the Oncology area, he led the initial global launch for Lenvima and has also worked to maximize patient value by driving a strategic partnership with Merck for Lenvima.
With lecanemab, he has made significant contributions to the enhancement of our corporate value by obtaining its accelerated approval in the U.S., submitting full regulatory applications in the U.S., Europe, Japan and China, consequently obtaining full U.S. approval and CMS reimbursement, promoting a strategic partnership with Biogen as well as developing capable talents and team competencies in R&D and commercial. We believe that his outstanding management and leadership have led to these successes.
Haruo Naito, Representative Corporate Officer and CEO of the Company commented, "Ivan Cheung has made tremendous contributions to the realization of social good through the successful development of lecanemab, the world's first treatment for the underlying pathology of early-stage Alzheimer's Disease. Also, I have appreciated his efforts to give growing opportunities for various talents in various functions. Representing Eisai, he has been actively serving on the PhRMA Board. On behalf of the Company, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to Ivan Cheung for his great achievements to the Company."
Mr. Cheung believes that he has realized his missions at the Company by obtaining full approval of lecanemab in the U.S. and reimbursement from CMS and has a strong desire to pursue a new chapter in his leadership career. The Company respects his decision to undertake a new challenge.
To ensure business continuity with minimal disruption, Mr. Cheung’s responsibilities will be assumed by internal senior executives. Tatsuyuki Yasuno, currently Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Investor Relations Officer, will assume the position of CEO, Eisai Inc., and Keisuke Naito, currently Senior Vice President, Chief Strategy & Planning Officer and Chief Ecosystem Officer, will assume the additional position of Global Alzheimer's Disease Officer. The executives will begin an immediate and orderly transition of responsibilities.